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Ferrarini continues to bring awareness about illness

Date: 1/19/2009

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



WILBRAHAM After William Ferrarini placed fifth in the "Music Contest to Raise Awareness for Mastocytosis & Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)" on Myspace.com, he took his $5,000 winnings and recycled $1,250 back to the Mastocytosis Society.

"It is a very serious situation and a lot of people don't know about it," Ferrarini said.

Ferrarini was featured in The Reminder last July a week before the contest winners were announced. This time he has returned from continuing his commitment to shine light on these less publicized illnesses. Joined by Three Dog Night keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, former lead singer John Anthony from The New Christy Minstrel's and others, Ferrarini participated in a concert at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by Patricia Murray, the mastermind behind the successful Myspace.com concert, the show featured hit songs and Ferrarini's ever popular song, "Send Me A Miracle."

"You couldn't ask for a more perfect show," Murray said. "My goal with this project is to raise awareness. I want to promote the singers and raise awareness and then raise money. But you have to build it before it will come."

Murray is living with Mastocytosis and EDS. Mastocytosis is an abnormal increase in the number of mast cells and comes in a variety of forms. Many of the symptoms includes hives and other rashes, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, gastroesophageal reflux, hematological abnormalities and more. EDS affects the connective tissue and can result in fragile skin and unstable joints.

Ferrarini is not the only musician who decided his Myspace.com winnings would best be served by heading off to the Society. First place winner Anthony gave back his $20,000 prize and the second place winner offered $2,000. Funds were also given to the Baltimore Medical Center.

Murray, who resides in Fairfax, Va., spoke highly of Anthony, Greenspoon and Wilbraham's own, Ferrarini.

"[Greenspoon] is the most humble guy that I think I ever met [and] he's the number one keyboardist in the world. They're celebrating their 40th anniversary," Murray said. Switching the topic to Ferrarini, she added, "With William, he's going to make it. You're never too old or too young."

Murray wants the public to know how successful her Myspace.com contest was.

"Myspace gets a lot of negative press and this is positive," she said.

To learn more about Murray and her upcoming Murray-Wood Foundation, visit www.myspace.com/patriciamastoandeds. To find out more about the Mastocytosis Society, check out www.tmsforacure.org.